Clive Stelfox: Who's really driving, the adviser or the platform?

clock • 3 min read

No one likes a backseat driver, writes Clive Stelfox, but all too often in the world of financial planning, this backseat driver is the technology and platform providers, dictating and restricting how an advice firm runs its business and manages its clients from behind the scenes. However, he says, this is not the only way...

In contrast to the approach taken by more traditional technology providers it is possible for a platform to sit quietly in the background, ensuring a smooth journey while the adviser is firmly in the driving seat. A lot of this is driven - pardon the pun - by the level of contact a platform has with an adviser's client. Many platforms operate in such a way that an adviser's customers essentially become the customer of the platform. Some advisers will be perfectly comfortable with this approach but it's also understandable that others would prefer their platform provider to sit much more ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Wrap/platforms

AJ Bell platform hits record AUM as inflows rise 19%

AJ Bell platform hits record AUM as inflows rise 19%

13% rise over the past year and a 1% increase in the quarter

Linus Uhlig
clock 24 April 2025 • 2 min read
Wealthtime signs ten-year deal with Wipro to overhaul platform

Wealthtime signs ten-year deal with Wipro to overhaul platform

The firm will use Wipro's artificial intelligence

Sahar Nazir
clock 01 April 2025 • 2 min read
Adviser platform assets up to £616.2bn in 2024

Adviser platform assets up to £616.2bn in 2024

Strong advised platform new business throughout 2024

Jenna Brown
clock 19 March 2025 • 3 min read